Michael Rogers, one of two Australians that finished in the top ten of the Tour de France this week, suggested it was time for Australia to put a team on the tour. There is a big financial hurdle to overcome, but other than that there is enough interest in Australia and certainly enough talent to put together a team. This year was Australia’s best performance – we had two riders in the top ten, Stuart McGee and Michael Rogers, and the winner of the sprint title was Robbie McEwen also of Australia. Getting a major sponsor must be easier knowing that a competitive team could easily be put together, and the public interest will only grow with any success. Most Australian sport fans will follow any sport, and a winning team will bring on board everyone else. What is in it for the sponsors? They need to find someone with a lot of spare cash to throw around, or someone looking for worldwide publicity, particularly in Europe.
Related Pages: Tour de France, Robbie McEwen profile, cycling